How did I get started?
I started off running...
Being the more methodical type, I tip-toed (as opposed to plunged) into triathlon. I didn’t start out planning to do triathlons. In fact, I didn’t start really running until I was 18 years old when I had to as part of my training for another sport. Once I got started, though, I was sort of like Forrest Gump- I just kept running and running and have been ever since!
Then added cycling...
In 1988 I competed in my first foot race and immediately realized good results. However, like most runners, I acquired an injury and had to adopt an alternative form of training to stay fit. That’s when I started cycling and my first duathlon (run/bike/run) was in 1993. It was the South Bay Duathlon Series Championship in Cupertino, CA. Like the foot races, I quickly realized I could be competitive as I placed 1st in my age group and 11th overall (women)!
Then swimming...
I dabbled in the sport doing a race now and again and after being coerced by co-workers to “add the swim” to my race format, I did my first triathlon in 1995. It was a Tri for Fun in Pleasanton, CA and I ended up winning the race! I continued to realize that I could be competitive in this sport when, in the following year, I qualified for the Duathlon World Championships held in Ferrara, Italy.
And I found I was competitive from international distances...
At that point, I dove deeper into the sport and trained to be competitive in the international distance (1.5K swim/40K bike/10K run) for the next few years eventually qualifying for the Triathlon World Championships in Perth, Australia (2000).
...to ironman distances...
I was eager to try out the half-ironman distance so I did in 1998. Other triathletes said that once I'd done my first half-ironman, I'd want to do the full distance (Ironman). I wasn’t convinced, but then found myself immersed in it two years later when I did my first Ironman (2000). I didn't participate just to finish, I also aimed to qualify for the Ironman World Championships to be held in Kona, Hawaii later that year. And, qualified is what I did!
I did two World Championships that year which meant that five years into my competitive endurance sport career, I had done three World Championships! Since then, I've added another Ironman World Championship to my resume along with maintaining an All-American rank through USA Triathlon’s ranking system from 2000 to 2003.
What am I doing currently?
In 2003, I adopted another personal interest which also involves a two-wheeled machine. Unlike my bicycle, though, this machine has a motor and can go much faster! The particular motorcycle I'm referring to is a Ducati 748. After taking the MSF training course in 2003, I learned to ride on the street, but once I got a taste of riding on the road track, that's all I did until I sold the bike in 2006. In that time, I also learned to ride a Yamaha TT-R125 at Rich Oliver's Mystery School on his grade A flat tracks, TT course, and motocross track. I finally puchased my own earlier this year (2007) so that my partner, who races a superbike on the road track, and I can train regularly to polish our riding skills.
Riding and racing motorcycles is a time consuming pursuit that cannot be compromised by a lack of focus on it. Consequently, triathlon has taken a "back seat" until this year when I figured out how to still maintain my competitive edge in triathlon while dedicating time to honing my moto riding skills.
Why do I compete?
I like the reward of self-discovery that is inherent with training and competition and this sport doles out some serious life lessons. You discover a lot about your personality as well as your physical and mental strength. It's the best "teacher" you could ask for.
What are my goals for the future?
Training and competing is what makes me feel alive so I want to do this the rest of my life! The endurance sport lifestyle keeps me healthy and fit and has allowed me to "live" life as a player, not a spectator!